This week, I am joined by Dr. Tara Rolle, Associate Superintendent, Diocese of San Jose and the Executive Director, Drexel School System. Tara details her role as the assistant superintendent and the important conversations she is having with the parents to make the diocese more inclusive towards all learners. For more information about Tara, please email here at [email protected].

This week, I am joined Mrs. Lynn Hire, Executive Director for the FIRE Foundation Kansas City MO. Lynn discusses the foundation and here role with the foundation. Additionally, she talks about the upcoming Inclusion in Action Conference including the speakers, and sessions for this conference. Finally she discussed how anyone interested can register for the conference.

This week I am joined by Ms. Mary Pat Donoghue, Executive Director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education for USCCB. Mary Pat talks about how she got her start in Catholic school education and what led her to her current role at the USCCB.

This week I am joined by Dr. Victoria Graf, Professor of Education at Loyola Marymount University. Vicky details her time at Loyola Marymount at the university and her work with inclusion throughout the years. She also speaks about her work in Universal Design for Learning and then inclusion of students with disabilities at the higher education level. For more information about Vicky, you can email her at [email protected].

This week I am joined by Mrs. Denise Brickler, middle school math and science teacher at Christ the King Catholic School classroom for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Denise talks about how she was led to become a middle school teacher and about the students she instructs. She also shares practical strategies for working with all learners and not just exceptional learners.

This week I am joined by Mrs. Rebecca Hammel, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Nashville and Mrs. Kay Dodd Co- Chair of the Hand in Hand Board. Both ladies speak about the importance on inclusion in their diocese and the steps necessary to fully include students from an administrative and parent eye.

This week I am joined by Dr. Barbara Edmondson – Chief Leadership and Program Officer for the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). Barbara talks about her diverse roles and how she was able to meet the needs of exceptional learners at each level. She also talks about what NCEA is doing to meet the needs of Catholic schools working with diverse learners.

This week I am joined by Mrs. Beth Foraker, founder and director of the National Catholic Board on Full Inclusion. Beth and I sit down and talk about how thankful we are for inclusion in Catholic schools and mention the different organizations, schools, and people that are taking the charge of inclusion in Catholic schools.

This week I am joined by Dr. Janna Bopp – Retired Director of Special Services, Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Knoxville, Tennessee. Janna talks about her time at Sacred Heart Cathedral School as well her role. She talks about lessons learned with parents, students, and services and offers advice moving forward. For more information about Janna please email her at [email protected].

This week I am joined by three great people associated with EMBRACE (Enriching Many By Reaching All in Catholic Education). Maggie Mosher, Executive Director—Jane Rall, Director of Operations, and Jim Kernell—President, Chairman of the Board. They talk about the mission and vision of EMBRACE in Kansas City as well as all of the services they provide. Additionally, they talk about the success stories and obstacles they have had in EMBRACE as well as the fruits of their labors.